Construction and Shelter Officer

 CONTEXT 

At MSF, Logistics aims to provide a safe, functional, and effective care environment for our patients, the populations we assist, and our teams through a pragmatic and solution-oriented approach. Our work involves engineering appropriate solutions that connect medical activities (grouped into Logistics Intervention families) and operational and contextual parameters with technical expertise in medical equipment management, construction, shelter, energy, HVAC, cold chain, motorized fleet, telecommunications, GIS, air operations, and more. Given the diversity and constant evolution of MSF’s operations, Logistics teams are continuously adapting and innovating to meet complex and shifting needs. 

The Construction & Shelter Technical Family in MSF OCB (Operational Center Brussels) ensures that facilities support MSF OCB’s activities through construction, rehabilitation, and shelter solutions. These solutions are designed to meet medical and operational requirements, adapted to the context, and implemented with safety as a priority. The overarching goal is to provide a high-quality care environment for both patients and staff, by minimizing environmental impact, through low-consumption buildings whenever possible, and by ensuring rapid deployability in response to growing emergencies.  

The HQ Logistics (Logs) Department is structured into three units: the Log Support Unit (LSU), the Log Workforce Unit (LWFU), and the Log Knowledge Management Unit (LKMU). Together, they ensure that Logistics remains aligned with MSF’s humanitarian mission and responsive to evolving operational needs in a rapidly changing technological and global landscape. 

As Construction and Shelter Officer you will be part of the LSU, which supports Logs in Operations in intervention and technical families, combining operational and technical expertise to deliver agile, contextualized, and high-quality support. You are part of the Construction and Shelter team. With the support of your team leader, you will take the lead on advancing background, third line dossiers (guidelines, templates, tools…) ensuring progress on essential long‑term work while allowing the core construction team to maintain effective direct support to our operations ongoing in many countries of interventions. This role strengthens the team’s overall capacity, reduces crisis mode operations, and enables the construction unit to meet rising demands in 2026 and beyond. 

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES 

Technical reference documents development and coordination  

• Lead the advancement and consolidation of technical reference documents, ensuring alignment with current MSF operational practices and emergency contexts:
• Revise the Temporary Health structure guideline with the target of finalizing 100% of chapter 1, 3 and 80% of Chapter 2, focusing on a comprehensive update of standards, the revision of the assessment model, the update of technical specifications, ratios, sizing, and material solutions, the adaptation of masterplans, layouts, the incorporation of safeguarding and accessibility requirements, etc.   
• Contribute to the revision of the Guideline Planning and Design Health facility with the focus on the following chapters: Outpatient Department, Laundry, Isolation, Mortuary, Changing room
• For each reference document, coordinate input from team members to consolidate collective expertise on technical details and specifications adapted to the different regions we work in 

Update and develop Operational Construction Tools  

• Review specific existing tools, templates, and guidance documents, to simplify and adapt them to current operational realities and emergency needs (e.g., checklist for site identification, building assessment and building materials calculation tools, etc.)
• In coordination with the Security Risk Management Unit, make the reference documents and tools linked to the passive protection of buildings available on the knowledge base
• In collaboration with the Construction & Shelter Team Leader, support the development of rapid deployment construction solutions, lightweight approaches, and predesigned reference plans 

REQUIREMENTS 

Education & Experience 

• Master’s degree in a relevant area of study such as Architecture, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline  

• Minimum of 3 years of international experience in construction within an (I)NGO, or other humanitarian emergency response organization 

• Previous MSF experience is an asset 

• Experience in construction or rehabilitation projects supervision, ideally in humanitarian or low resource settings 

• Experience developing or updating technical tools, guidelines, or reference documents 

• Experience coordinating with multiple stakeholders across departments 

• Experience working in medical or health facility construction, including understanding of medical workflows, IPC requirements is a strong asset 

Competencies 

• Proficient AutoCAD user   

• Ability to produce or adapt 2D and 3D models, technical details, and visualizations to support tool development and design clarification 

• Solid understanding of construction design principles and lightweight construction approaches 

• Ability to simplify and structure technical information for operational use 

• Strong organizational and coordination skills 

• Excellent communication and synthesis skills 

• Proactive and structured way of working 

• Able to work independently while aligning with managerial direction 

• Collaborative mindset and ability to work with multiple stakeholders in a multicultural environment 

Languages 

• Fluency in English or French is essential, with at least an intermediate level in the other language
• Oral and written communication in Portuguese, Arabic, or Spanish is an asset    

CONDITIONS 

• Expected starting date: as soon as possible
• Location: Brussels, Belgium* 

* Due to legal administrative constraints, given the duration of the contract, candidates must already have the permanent right as Belgian or EU national, and/or valid work permit with mention of "Unlimited access to the labor market" to work in Belgium 

• Contract Type: fixed-term contract, full-time
• Contract Duration: 9 months
• Salary according to MSF-OCB Head Office grid 
• Homeworking possible according to MSF Policy
• Meal Vouchers - Hospital Insurance (DKV) – Pension Plan – 100% reimbursement for public transportation costs 
• Adhere to the MSF principles and to our managerial values: Respect, Transparency, Integrity, Accountability, Trust and Empowerment 
• Adhere to the MSF Behavioral Commitments   

Deadline for applications: 5th of March 2026 

How to apply?   

➢ Submit your application via the 'Apply here' button   

➢ You will be directed to the online application form for this position   

➢ It should take 5-10 minutes to complete. Thank you in advance for having your CV and motivation letter ready to upload  (in pdf format) 

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.   

MSF values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, race, color or ethnic and national origins, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.   

The protection of your personal data is important to MSF. By submitting your application, you consent to MSF using your personal data. For more information, consult our priacy notice to job applicants.